User Reviews

This is the best shojo anime I ever watched, it's really a sports anime in my opinion. This anime makes me want to play the game Karuta so bad and feel so sad that I don't know enough Japanese to play it.

Joking aside, I was rather surprised that how the author managed to make a card game into something with depth by explaining the game's advanced tactics, as well as its attachments to Japanese literature, without having to leave the audience the feeling of being left out. Though using high school as the setting has been over-done especially in recent anime, I was quite ...

Yu-Gi-Oh, anyone?

Joking aside, I was rather surprised that how the author managed to make a card game into something with depth by explaining the game's advanced tactics, as well as its attachments to Japanese literature, without having to leave the audience the feeling of being left out. Though using high school as the setting has been over-done especially in recent anime, I was quite surprised that story has never gone much into the triangle relationship between the 3 main protagonists and focused more on the game of Karuta itself.

What bothered me was how the emotional scene was used quite extensively that it lost the "feel" around the end of the season. Also it was quite noticeable to hear that some of the background theme was rather overused. As much as the intensity of matches are well expressed, I feel that all those tension go to waste if the majority of them consist of still images.

What I liked about the show was that how all of the characters, both main and the side, were likeable in their own ways. Though I felt that one of the main protagonist, Arata, was bit neglected, I'll leave that for the next season. Another thing to note was how well the relationship between the protagonists ties in so well with Karuta that you are never sure which side of the story you want to see more of.

All in all, despite the few noticeable flaws, this show is quite enjoyable to watch. It is highly recommendable for those looking for one of those "feel good" high school team sports anime.

After watching this show, I can truly say the you get attached to these characters. It's well written and has emotion to it. The determination shown by the characters for this one sport makes it feel like the effort put into something really matters. The feeling of striving to succeed and the hurt in losing, this is something everyone can relate too... I had never hear of Karuta before however if ...

After watching this show, I can truly say the you get attached to these characters. It's well written and has emotion to it. The determination shown by the characters for this one sport makes it feel like the effort put into something really matters. The feeling of striving to succeed and the hurt in losing, this is something everyone can relate too... I had never hear of Karuta before however if the show were to have been base on any other sport I think it would be a little lost. Even though Karuta seems to be a game played with an opponent, you still get a sense of teamwork. They help each other grow stronger by using their strengths and knowledge which is why I find it so interesting. I liked that the characters stay consistent yet still manage to improve. I hope to see this show continued.

ok so im giving this 5 stars even though its not my favorite! im more of an action/supernatural anime type person so this anime to me didnt have a lot of intensity for me. but the drama and romance aspect was adorable and this kept me pretty well entertained! this slice of life/drama romance is fun and recommended by me

I just finished watching the animer series and I would have to say that it was truely a pleasure this series. I wish I have had such a passion for something in my early youth. I always love watching anime series like these that gives a person some insight that there is always something beautiful in the world to do besides trying to figure your everyday struggles. I would recommend it to...

I just finished watching the animer series and I would have to say that it was truely a pleasure this series. I wish I have had such a passion for something in my early youth. I always love watching anime series like these that gives a person some insight that there is always something beautiful in the world to do besides trying to figure your everyday struggles. I would recommend it to anyone in viewing this series!!!!!

I watched this only because I read the manga series first. I was a bit scared because I don't really like game manga in the first place but, this actually was GOOD. I liked the manga series but it didn't have the animation that I yearned to see. Karuta is a card game which involves your hand moving to hit a card. Obviously, manga will not demonstrate this action. So I downloaded the first couple ...

I watched this only because I read the manga series first. I was a bit scared because I don't really like game manga in the first place but, this actually was GOOD. I liked the manga series but it didn't have the animation that I yearned to see. Karuta is a card game which involves your hand moving to hit a card. Obviously, manga will not demonstrate this action. So I downloaded the first couple of episodes and started watching. I recommend this to anyone who wants a refreshing series with a bit of romance, lots of friendship, slice of life and if you wanna learn something new!

Storyline:
I'd say it's really good. There is too much karuta in my opinion. Just a bit too much. I would probably rate it higher if we had a bit more balance.

Music:
Great OST, great OP, pretty good ED. Pretty much.

Characters:
Amazing actually. They're all special and great in their own way.

Chihayafuru is a stellar and emotionally engaging anime based on the popular Japanese game Karuta. The characters are warm, unique and memorable which is only aided by the wonderful voice work and animation. The voice work of Chihaya and Taichi in particular shine for the cast and the beautiful animation, especially the cg scenes, add to the fluidity of the competitions in the show, while the ...

Chihayafuru is a stellar and emotionally engaging anime based on the popular Japanese game Karuta. The characters are warm, unique and memorable which is only aided by the wonderful voice work and animation. The voice work of Chihaya and Taichi in particular shine for the cast and the beautiful animation, especially the cg scenes, add to the fluidity of the competitions in the show, while the comedic breaks and hinted romantic subplots are welcome and add to the depth and appeal of each character. The final personal delight of mine is the connection attempted to bridge poetry to a competitive sport which makes Chihayafuru feel first unique in a "sport anime genre" while remaining culturally specific to Japan. Wonderful. I only hope a second season will be followed!

Chihayafuru is a short series telling the story of Chihaya and her friends.
On the surface one would assume it's a Sports themed anime, but it's not so much about the Karuta, it's more about the connections between the characters and their devotion to what they do.
It's wonderfully realized artistically and has excellent ...

Chihayafuru is a short series telling the story of Chihaya and her friends.
On the surface one would assume it's a Sports themed anime, but it's not so much about the Karuta, it's more about the connections between the characters and their devotion to what they do.
It's wonderfully realized artistically and has excellent pacing throughout.
It's largely the cast of characters that bring this show to life, and the variety of emotions the show is able to stir within you.

I really hope to see a second series one day in the future, there are lots of plots points that can continue (just like in real life) but I'd be happy with this bitter sweet ending too, the creators have left enough there for you to imagine your own ending!

Chihayafuru comes highly recommended from me
I believe the characters are the strongest single element that Chihayafuru offers, and so that is reflected in my 'overall' score also
A+

This anime description will seem weak as it says it is about a card game. As you go on, it's not just a card game you bunch in with other card games such as Rummy, Poker, Yu-Gi-Oh. Karuta is in it's own class of card games. I don't exaggerate that. As you go on, this anime is in it's own class. It is a very lovable and enjoyable anime. There is character development. Emotions such as intensity is ...

This anime description will seem weak as it says it is about a card game. As you go on, it's not just a card game you bunch in with other card games such as Rummy, Poker, Yu-Gi-Oh. Karuta is in it's own class of card games. I don't exaggerate that. As you go on, this anime is in it's own class. It is a very lovable and enjoyable anime. There is character development. Emotions such as intensity is portrayed very excellently. Some of you will even look up videos of Karuta. The Queen and Masters match in Japan is so intense I watched the video for a hour. This anime influences beyond it's own scope.

About the Show

Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya
Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya has potential to become a great karuta player. As Chihaya dreams of becoming Japan's best karuta player, she is soon separated from her karuta playing friends. Now in high school, Chihaya still plays karuta in the hope that she will one day meet her friends again. ...more